Chapter 36 : - Preparations

*Ava*

“Ava? Will you please come to Chicago? For me?”

“Of course!” I reply quickly. “You don’t even need to ask, Dad. I wouldn’t miss it. I told you I’d be there, didn’t I?”

My father sounds relieved. “You did. But I know you have your new job and–”

“I won’t miss it, no matter what,” I say firmly.

“Alright, pumpkin. That’s what I was hoping to hear. I love you,” my father responds, and I can tell he’s smiling.

“I love you, too, Dad. We’ll talk soon.”

We hang up at the same time, and I turn to Liam, chewing my lip. “Will you … come with me to Chicago for my dad’s trial?”

Liam grins at me. “I was hoping you’d ask me. I would love to. I’d like to be there to support you, and your father.”

I hop right in his arms and hug him. “I love you.”

“I love you more,” Liam teases.

“Not a chance,” I say. I let go just so I can grab my phone. “I hate asking for time off when I’ve just started, but there’s nothing I can do about that.”

Liam is pulling his own phone out. “I would